Parents and Families

Welcome
Western
Families!

Old Main Lawn in fall with many trees and leaves on the ground

We're glad you're here!

Parents and family members are important partners in supporting student success at Western Washington University. New Student Services/Family Outreach (NSSFO) provides outreach and services to help strengthen students and families' connection to Western, including a monthly newsletter, family resources, and an annual family weekend event in the fall. Explore the resources on this page to learn more about our campus community and stay involved in your student's experience at Western!

New Families

Visit our Welcome New Families page for tips about navigating the student onboarding process, more information about the many campus resources and services available to your student, as well as some helpful strategies on how you can support your student to best access and utilize them.  

Welcome New Families

Viking Resource Hub

Visit our curated directory to find campus resources and services, organized by function instead of department/service name.  

Viking Resource Hub

First-Gen Logo blue graphic person throwing graduation cap in air with different primary color foot-prints circling the person in the center.

First-Generation Family Toolkit

 

Based on feedback from first-generation students, we've learned that many would feel more supported if their families had a better understanding of the college experience.

We invite you to check-out the toolkit to find all the tools you need to help your student succeed at Western.

 

Family Toolkit

Upcoming Holidays and Breaks

Winter 2023

  • Winter Break: Sat, Dec 10 - Tue, Jan 3
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Mon, Jan 16
  • Presidents Day: Mon, Feb 20

Spring 2023

  • Spring Break: Sat, Mar 18 - Mon, Mar 27
  • Memorial Day: Mon, May 29
  • Summer Break: Sat, Jun 10 - Mon, Jun 19:
  • JuneteenthMon, Jun 19

 

Stay Connected

Explore ways for parents and families to stay connected to the Western community below:

Coffee, Tea, & Family: NSSFO Family Outreach Office Hours logo

Coffee, Tea and Family

Family Outreach Office Hours are available to parents/families of new and current students.

New Student Services/Family Outreach has virtual office hours available for families each week in Zoom. Sign up for Coffee, Tea and Family, a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with NSSFO's Family Outreach Manager to ask questions, learn about campus support services and resources, and about available tools and opportunities to keep you connected with Western.

Book a Meeting Now

Counseling, Health, Wellness Services

Curious about Western’s approach to wellness? Make sure to watch the video featuring Dr. Sislena Ledbetter, associate vice president, WWU Counseling, Health, Wellness Services, as she describes the full spectrum of care available to students at Western.

The following additional family resources are also available to help you support your student with their continued growth and social/emotional development:

Referring Your Student Transition Tips Resources for Families

Find out more about available health and wellness services and Western’s commitment to helping students with learning the importance of self-care and how to practice good mind/body health on the Counseling, Health, Wellness Services website.

View from underneath cherry trees in bloom during spring on south campus at Western facing AW

Getting to and from WWU

Explore regional transportation options for more information about getting to and from Bellingham and WWU. 

Visiting your student? Explore the Accommodations page for information about Bellingham hotels, some of which offer WWU discounts. 

Financial Resources

Additional Resources